Yehudi Menuhin

Yehudi Menuhin, Baron MenuhinOMKBE (22 April 1916 – 12 March 1999) was an American-born violinist and conductor, who spent most of his performing career in Britain. He is widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century.

Early life and career

Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York City to a family of Belorussian Jews. Through his father Moshe, a former rabbinical student and anti-Zionist, he was descended from a distinguished rabbinical dynasty. In late 1919 Moshe and his wife Marutha (née Sher) became American citizens, and changed the family name from Mnuchin to Menuhin. Yehudi's sisters were concert pianist and human rights activist Hephizibah, and pianist, painter and poet Yaltah.

Menuhin's first violin instruction was at age four by Sigmund Anker (1891–1958); his parents had wanted Louis Persinger to teach him, but Persinger initially refused. Menuhin displayed exceptional talent at an early age. His first public appearance, when only seven, was as solo violinist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra in 1923. Persinger then agreed to teach him, and accompanied him on the piano for his first few solo recordings in 1928–29.

Plot: The most celebrated woman composer of her time is dying. When she slips into a coma her closest friends, violin impresario Yehudi Menuhin and literary intrigue Anais Nin, are divided about what to do. "Owl Song" tells the inspiring and heroic story of the most important woman composer of the twentieth century Peggy Glanville-Hicks - a brilliant, witty, pipe-smoking, suit-wearing dynamic individual; a musical pioneer who forged a formidable career in Europe and North America in the mid-twentieth century. Amongst her many achievements she made history by being the first woman to be commissioned to write an opera in the USA. Based on a real life story about an inspirational woman who at the height of her career was heralded as the most important female composer in the world.

Plot: "Dakota," a young soldier on a pass in New York City, visits the famed Stage Door Canteen, where famous stars of the theatre and films appear and host a recreational center for servicemen during the war. Dakota meets a pretty young hostess, Eileen, and they enjoy the many entertainers and a growing romance.